Things to do on the Isle of Wight in August

August is peak summer holiday time, so expect lots of family fun and events around every corner on the Isle of Wight.

If the word ‘summer’ conjures up images of golden sandy beaches, you’re in luck. Spend the day at the beach with the family; Ryde is one of our favourite choices.

You’ll have oodles of space Appley Beach in Ryde at low tide – the beach seemly goes on forever, so it’s perfect for a ball game or playing with a frisbee. The shallow waters are perfect for bathing, and they warm up beautifully under the sun. Just expect to have a long walk if you want a proper swim!

If it’s a really hot day you can often find shady spots from the trees in Appley Park and Appley Tower too.

From 19-20 August 2023, experience the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer show at The Garlic Festival. As well as incredible (garlicky) food, you can enjoy live music, arena entertainment and live shows.

Make sure you try a locally-grown corn on the cob, smothered in garlic butter; ‘The Dark Destroyer’ fudge made with dark chocolate, black garlic and chilli; and, of course, some of the famous produce from the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.

Take a ‘Grape to Glass’ tour of Adgestone Vineyard’s 10 acres and cellars to learn all about wine making. A fun 20-minute wine tasting session is included where you’ll learn tasting techniques and try the award-winning English wines.

Afterwards, enjoy sea views and an antipasti sharing platter with a glass of wine, on the raised decking above the vines. There’s also live acoustic music between Wednesday and Sunday during the summer holiday period, right up until 10 September.

At The Needles Landmark Attraction, every Thursday in August 2023 you’ll be able to enjoy Magic in the Skies. From 10am until late you can enjoy shopping, foodie treats, live music and family entertainment, before an iconic firework display lights up the landmark after dusk (approx. 21:30, weather dependent). It’s the perfect way to end a family day out.

Every Wednesday in August and Monday 28 August 2023, between 6pm and 9.30 pm, there are full on party vibes at Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest. Expect fun foam parties, carnival performers and a fireworks extravaganza.

There are events galore on the Isle of Wight during summertime. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might like to take part in Cowes Week, Jack Up The Summer Party, the Island Steam Show, Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, and Ticket to Ryde.

You’re also likely to find a procession of colour near you, if you’re here in August 2023 – carnivals take place right across the Island. First up is Shanklin with a main carnival on 2 August and an illuminated one on 5 August. Then it’s a big day for Ventnor on 9 August, with the Children’s Carnival in the day time, with a Grand Carnival and fireworks in the evening. Newport Illuminated Carnival happens on 24 August and Sandown Illuminated Carnival on 30 August 2023. In Ryde there are two days of fun – August 26 for Ryde Children’s Carnival Day and August 31 for the Ryde Main Carnival.

Visiting at a different time of year? Find out what else you can do during your time on the Isle of Wight on our Things to Do web pages.